Fishing for crucian carp on a feeder in the spring in March, April and May

Where is crucian carp found in spring?

With the arrival of spring warmth, the inhabitants of reservoirs emerge from hibernation. But for now they still prefer to stay close to wintering pits; this period falls in March-April and the crucian carp is just beginning to be active.

As the water column warms up in May, the activity of crucian carp increases, and feeding grounds expand. The zone of interest includes shallow water heated by the sun. Coastal thickets and overhanging branches from which bugs and spiders fall onto the surface of rivers and ponds.

Crucian carp, gathering in schools, begin to circle around the reservoir, following the food base.

It can often be found in shallows and spits.

In spring, crucian carp rubs in shallow water areas

With the appearance of the first vegetation, fish “graze” in coastal areas.

Oxbow lakes and backwaters with little current are promising fishing grounds.

Air bubbles rising from the bottom indicate the movement routes of fish rummaging through the mud.

The pre-spawning period is characterized by the activity of crucian carp and occurs in the middle and end of spring. In central Russia - May. At this time, crucian carp feeds near future spawning sites: at the mouths of quiet rivers. Before entering heated bays and channels up to 3 meters deep. “Windows” in aquatic vegetation are also attractive to crucian carp.

Crucian carp biting calendar - with warming in March-April, the first phase of crucian activity begins

Search for crucian carp

At different times of the year, and it can be in different places of the reservoir, but its favorite habitats are the muddy bottom, thickets of reeds or sedges with many snags. Crucian carp loves its territory and can live on it all its life. The fisherman’s task is to find this territory and lure the crucian carp out of it, so as not to break the gear.

In the spring, before the start of spawning, crucian carp looks for shallow places with warm water. At this moment there is every opportunity to catch a large crucian carp.

In summer, to search for food, crucian carp move away from the shore to depths, preferring various holes and edges. Usually this happens early in the morning before sunrise. To get it, you need a fishing rod for long casting; to cut off the small things, large bait is used: corn, a large worm, steamed pearl barley. Crucian carp takes well at this time on mastyrka or semolina.

With the arrival of autumn, crucian carp's appetite also heats up. It tries to accumulate the necessary amount of nutrients for the winter. At this time, he gives preference to animal food, as it is more nutritious. In autumn it can be found at depth using a long-casting fishing rod.

Many people believe that crucian carp are not active in winter, but this is far from true. Even during this period, you come across quite large specimens: winter is winter, but you always want to eat!

Features of spring feeder bait

The seemingly simple task of feeding crucian carp has its own nuances when fishing in a pond.

Fishermen distinguish crucian carp reservoirs in which the number of “golden” crucian carp exceeds the population of other species. And ordinary ones, where “bast shoes” do not dominate.

In the second case, the composition of the bait is important. Should not be attractive to your table neighbors.

The basis of bait when catching crucian carp on a feeder in late spring (April-May) is made up of various porridges: peas, steamed pearl barley, steamed millet; when fishing in early spring (April), you need to add animal components to the bait - bloodworms, worms, maggots.

Interesting. Added drinking yogurt does not attract other underwater inhabitants and stimulates the crucian's appetite.

In early spring, it is recommended to mix in animal ingredients: bloodworms, maggots and worms. At this time, the crucian carp is “putting on fat.”

It is important not to overfeed the crucian carp. Otherwise, having eaten enough, he will lose interest in the bait.

When catching crucian carp on a feeder in the current, creating a feeding zone, the balls must be sticky. So that they do not immediately crumble when hitting water, but are gradually washed out. Good “adhesion” is provided by clay and soil from molehills.

Creating a feeding spot

At the same time, on muddy soil, a dense lump will fall into a soft cushion without fulfilling its function.

Nozzles

Before spawning, most baits (lures of plant origin) “work” poorly. After spawning, crucian carp gladly eats bait of plant origin.

The most popular of them are:

1. Dough . This bait has many faces. It’s hard to even count the number of recipes. Mastyrka, protein dough, corn, wheat, semolina, rye, “chatter”. Every fisherman can continue this list himself. The bait is effective for catching May crucian carp both at depth and in mid-water. It is inserted in such a way that the hook tip is covered.
2. Perlovka . One of the most effective baits for fishing in late spring and summer. It can be boiled or steamed. In both forms, the crucian carp treats it with respect. Before casting, pearl barley can be dipped in flavoring or dipped in breadcrumbs. Place several pieces in such a way as to completely hide the hook.
3. Canned corn . This is a bait for carp, but large crucian carp pick it up with pleasure. The bait does not need additional preparation if it is purchased at a fishing store. Ordinary corn, which is used for making salads, can be given a pleasant smell for crucian carp. It is enough to pour it into sunflower or hemp oil overnight. One or more pieces are attached in such a way that the hook tip is hidden.
4. Bread crumb . A bait that is used to catch any crucian carp. This fish loves fresh rye bread, to which boiled potatoes, processed cheese or liquid flavorings are added, depending on the reservoir. (If the reservoir is located near villages, you can add a little alcohol to the crumb: beer or moonshine). The crumb is placed on the hook in such a way as to cover the sting.
5. Boyle. This bait is for bottom fishing for large crucian carp using a hair rig. The boilie for crucian carp is smaller in size compared to the classic carp boilie. When fishing for crucian carp, both “fried” homemade boilies and “dried” boilies, purchased or homemade, are used. Small crucian carp (and other small fish) are not able to swallow this bait. A hair rig equipped with a boilie can be mounted on a float, bottom and feeder fishing rod. The three most “catchable” aromas for large crucian carp include:
   – chocolate;
6. - strawberry;
7. – honey:

The most effective gear for catching crucian carp with boilies is considered to be a feeder.

Baits and baits used

The protein component is preferable when the inhabitants of reservoirs emerge from hibernation; for catching crucian carp they use:

• earthworm and dungworm;
• maggots and bloodworms (in “crucian carp” ponds);
• crawl pieces;
• caddisfly

  
  Maggot and worm sandwich

When the crucian carp tastes the first greenery (usually in May), vegetable baits are recommended:

• peas;
• boiled pearl barley;
• bread crumb;
• cake.

Flavorings include sweet smells: garlic, cocoa, raspberry, anise.

When rolling dough or bread crumbs, you can pre-smear your hands with Vietnamese “Star”.

“Golden” crucian carp becomes active when the water warms up to 10-12 degrees.

They catch crucian carp in the spring using different gear: a classic float, a Bolognese fishing rod, and even a spinning rod.

Feeder fishing, as an advanced type of bottom tackle, is also relevant. Having calculated the movement routes of crucian carp, food traps are created.

Collection of feeder gear for catching spring crucian carp

The characteristics of the reservoir and the behavior of its inhabitants are taken into account.

It is recommended to catch low-active crucian carp using balanced delicate equipment, thin fishing lines and small hooks. Then, as the fish become interested, they switch to self-hooking rigs with strong cords and leashes.

Rod

A fishing rod with a length of 2.7-3.6 meters is selected depending on the fishing conditions: the presence of a current, casting distance, location of coastal and coastal vegetation.

The test form varies between 30-80 g. Large guide rings and removable quivertypes are recommended.

The structure of the rod should show good information in still water and in the current.

Coil

As a rule, when fishing with feeder gear, a reel is taken in size from 2000-2500 with low sides for unhindered line escape. Transmission mechanism with a value not higher than 1:4. With the ability to get prey and a feeder. The recommended number of bearings is 4-6, a well-adjustable friction brake. For beginner feeders, equipment with a baitrunner is desirable.

fishing line

Braid is preferable for the following reasons:

• low-stretch, sensitive to bites;
• thin and durable, less “sails” in the underwater flow.

Diameter: 0.14-0.18 mm.

Feeder collection trough

Selected weighing around 40-60 grams. Early spring fishing for crucian carp with a feeder involves casting into shallow water, so feeders are used

insignificant in weight. This type of gear creates less noise when falling into the water.

When fishing in the current, a rectangular or triangular shape is recommended. This will reduce the likelihood of moving along the bottom.

Also, for additional fixation on the ground, wire “whiskers” are used, which keep the tackle from tipping over.

The installation of the feeder should provide a good visual start to the bite and not scare away the crucian carp; the following types of installation are used:

1. Symmetrical loop . It is made with a diameter of 25-30 cm from monofilament with a thickness of 0.25-0.27 mm. In this case, the feeder moves freely along the string. The downside of the rig is the likelihood of overlap with the leash.
2. Asymmetrical loop . The same material and dimensions of the cord, but the leash is separated from the main loop by a braided “pigtail”. This design minimizes overlaps.
3. Gardner rig (Paternoster) . It is considered a classic in feeder fishing. Installation involves placing the leash above the food. Convenient when casting onto a muddy bottom, when the “table” is recessed and the bait is located higher.

installations
Feeder designs:

1. Open . The lower and upper parts are not equipped with partitions. When it hits the bottom, the bait quickly spreads out. They are used to create a feeding zone and in standing water.
2. Semi-closed. The lower end is made with perforation, which leads to gradual leaching of the composition in the underwater flow and the formation of a stern plume.

3. "Springs" Made in the form of a spiral. Light in weight, used for fishing in ponds, lakes and reservoirs with weak currents.

   
   Spring feeder - often used for feeder fishing for crucian carp

Leash

Designed to save the main line from losing the entire equipment.

Interesting. Crucian carp is a cautious fish, so when choosing a leash, this feature is taken into account. The more timid the prey, the longer the lead.

For feeder fishing, a piece of 50-60 cm of monofilament with a thickness of 0.14-0.16 mm is considered optimal.

Hooks

Selected depending on the bait or attachment:

• No. 14-8 for vegetation (peas, pearl barley, corn, bread crumb);
• No. 10-6 with long or medium shank for earthworm;
• No. 14-10 are suitable for maggots;
• No. 16-14 bloodworms are attached.

Fishing technique

An important condition for successful fishing is determining the fishing location. You should start fishing the territory of the reservoir from the coastal areas, constantly moving further and further from the shore in search of crucian carp. You should not immediately make long casts - sometimes you can catch more fish closer to the shore than in the middle of the pond. When catching crucian carp, small hooks are mainly used, using mastyrka as bait. A large hook scares away crucian carp, especially if a maggot or worm is used. Crucian carp likes to suck the bait before biting and, in the end, refuses it, and it instantly sucks up a small hook with a drop of mastyrka.

You can successfully catch crucian carp at night - at this time it comes to the shore, to the edges, where it feeds. This does not require long casting and a heavy feeder: you can use a lighter feeder. A lightweight and reliable rod will allow you to cast the tackle silently. In this case, the bait can be thrown in manually (not far from the shore). The bait may contain vegetable components with the addition of maggots and must be loose. Once in the water, such bait immediately begins to disintegrate, creating a feeding spot that will actively attract crucian carp. You should be careful with lighting at night, as it can scare away crucian carp, and put the bait on the hook, preferably at some distance from the shore.

Tactics for catching crucian carp on a feeder in spring

Having chosen a fishing spot, they begin to examine the bottom using the “tapping” method. For this purpose, a marker weight is used that is identical in weight to the filled feeder.

The cast is performed in front of you (0 degree angle) to the maximum possible distance. After the load reaches the bottom, the rod drags the marker 1.5-2 meters, bringing the tip of the form to an angle of 45-90 degrees from the original, maintaining a horizontal plane.

Watch the tip and listen to the sensations “in your hand”:

• tapping indicates a rocky area;
• tight movement is possible on clay, silt;
• smooth stretch - sand.

After pulling and reeling in the line, make a sharp vertical jerk with the rod. The weight in the water is thrown up (without coming to the surface) and counting begins. Ends when reaching the bottom marker. Then the next dragging, etc. This is how the depths are measured.

Important. Count down the same way every time. Experienced fishermen use the fastest possible one, in which there are no pauses.

By changing the casting location and distance, the topography and structure of the bottom are determined.

The catch point is planned. It is convenient to “fix” the direction according to the landmark on the opposite side.

A feeding zone is first created, for this purpose the bait is sent to the selected place 10-15 times.

The feeder is filled with food, bait is placed on the hook, and the gear is cast.

The distance is fixed by clipping the fishing line.

The rod is installed on the stand, raising the tip as much as possible. This is necessary when fishing in the current so that the line touches the water and the sail as little as possible.

It remains to monitor the behavior of the quivertype. The hooking is not done sharply, because the crucian carp has a thin lip.

Fishing for crucian carp in the spring on a feeder - video report:

Spring fishing is varied. As the action progresses, gear and bait change. Various tactics are used. This is a test of the readiness of the equipment and the fisherman for the upcoming season.

Baits

Crucian carp is so omnivorous that it can take both animal and plant baits. He buys worms, maggots, pearl barley, corn (steamed or canned), bread, dough, semolina.

What bait to use depending on the time of year. In spring, crucian carp prefers animal baits; it needs as much protein as possible after winter. In summer, he willingly takes vegetable baits (corn, pearl barley, dough, etc.). But this does not exclude the possibility that in summer crucian carp will not take bait on animals.